ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC- The Grenada government has signed an agreement with the United States-based AFYA Foundation, which sources unused medical supplies and donates them to developing countries.
“We collect high-quality surplus medical supplies equipment, durable supplies from the biggest and the best health systems of New York City, and we only send supplies that are matched from a request form on-the-ground providers…Our goal is to strengthen the existing healthcare infrastructure,” said Danielle Butin, the founder and chief executive officer of AFYA.
Butin said Grenada had become the organization’s 84th partner and that the first container of medical supplies arrived here on February 22.
“It was packed with wound care supplies, supplies for primary pediatric labs, surgical and urgent care, trigonometry trays, orthopedic braces, and so much more…The fair market value for this thing is US$100,000,” she said.
Health Minister Phillip Telesford, who signed the agreement, said that the initiative will help transform the primary healthcare services here and ensure that medical supplies are constantly available at primary healthcare facilities.
“This is extremely critical. It is no secret there is a push to the general hospital. Regardless of the complaint, everybody rushes to the general hospital. This initiative is gearing towards assisting in transforming primary healthcare, which will indeed pull people back to the community healthcare facilities,” said Telesford, noting that there are 36 primary healthcare facilities around the island.
The partnership between Grenada and the AFYA Foundation followed the formation of the Grenada Diaspora Advisory Council (GDAC) in September 2022.
“Grenadians lead this partnership in the Diaspora who have committed their medical expertise and time to help improve the healthcare system for the people of Grenada,” said Shonda Cadore, a GDAC founding member.
She said the organization aims to create a win-win situation for Grenadians and the government.
“The goal is to match expertise in the diaspora with the country’s needs. The council’s long-term initiatives are in collaboration with the associated government ministries. We share a vision of a more prosperous and resilient nation,” she said.
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